The Folklore of Wales - by Delyth Badder & Mark Norman (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

An intriguing and comprehensive selection of ghost stories from Wales.

Welsh folklore is well known throughout Wales and beyond, yet little is known about its extensive collection of paranormal texts. The Folklore of Wales: Ghosts is a vast wealth of ghost stories that includes fantastical animals, flickering death omens, and unseen things that go bump in the night. Whether these tales are based on true events, or are the creations of active imaginations, is known only to those who have experienced them--but what is certain is that their power to delight and scare us remains undimmed to this day. Renowned folklorists Delyth Badder and Mark Norman (host of The Folklore Podcast) present a captivating compilation of ghostly accounts, illuminating key themes, and giving insights into the history and culture of Wales's varied regions and communities. With original Welsh texts, many of which have been translated into English for the first time, the authors present a wide panorama of stories and first-hand accounts that will be new to even the most seasoned folklore reader.

Review Quotes

"enjoyable and richly informative book"-- "Nation.Cymru"

'This excellent book brings much that is new to the study of ghostlore in Britain. Its new translations of invaluable source material previously little known to non-Welsh speakers have the welcome effect also of giving us a much more accurate regional picture than previous rather vague and unhelpful references to 'in Wales.' The accounts are also a revelation, highlighting subjects not often recognised in general British ghostlore. The authors have made a splendid contribution to deepening our understanding of regional ghost reports and beliefs within Britain.'-- "Paul Cowdell, folklorist"

"This collection by Delyth Badder and Mark Norman approaches the ghost-lore of Wales through the richness of the Welsh language. It contains a wealth of stories and traditions that are usually ignored - because the sources were not available in English. This volume carefully selects and classifies them while adhering to clearly defined themes, referring appreciatively to the work of past collectors and scholars while also including tales from oral tradition. It is a masterpiece of ghost stories in Welsh homespun.

Yes, there are tales of thrills and chills. Here, you'll find beastly ghosts, ecclesiastical ghosts, ferocious ghosts, and even spirits of the living! But while this book focuses on the treasure trove of stories from Wales, they are introduced in the context of the wider traditions of the Celtic nations and those of other cultures. Much like some lakes and pools in Wales, this volume is also bottomless!"-- "Myrddin ap Dafydd, Archdruid of Wales"

About the Author

Delyth Badder is a regular contributor to discussions on Welsh folklore in the media. Mark Norman is the founding curator of the Folklore Library and Archive, an organization dedicated to the collection and preservation of folklore materials for the future. Many people know him as the creator and host of The Folklore Podcast.